How do I insure my electric scooter or hoverboard?

There are several categories of small electric vehicles used for personal transport, also known as personal electric vehicles (PEVs).

These individual motorised vehicles are designed for short urban journeys.

The most common are:

• Electric scooter: the most popular model, consisting of a platform and handlebars, capable of reaching speeds of up to 25 km/h.
• Monowheel or electric unicycle: a single large wheel fitted with footrests on either side and controlled through the rider’s body movements and balance.
• Hoverboard: a small platform fitted with two wheels, controlled by body movements through a gyroscopic system.
• Electric skateboard: a motorised version of a traditional skateboard, controlled using a remote control.
• Segway: an electric self-balancing vehicle equipped with handlebars for greater stability and control.

These vehicles share several common characteristics: intended for one person only; electric motor powered; maximum speed limited to 25 km/h.

Since 1 January 2021, the Luxembourg Highway Code has introduced two new definitions relating to conventional and alternative mobility devices.

The law is clear: the maximum design speed of an EMV may not exceed 25 km/h. The electric motor must not develop more than 1,000 W of power, and motor assistance must automatically stop once the speed limit is reached. Children’s ride-on vehicles and hoverboards that do not exceed 6 km/h are classified as personal mobility devices (PMDs).

There is also a minimum age requirement for using an electric micro-vehicle on public roads: children under the age of 10 are not permitted to ride an EMV in Luxembourg. Depending on the vehicle used, different rules apply. 

Removing the speed limiter from your vehicle constitutes a serious offence. The Grand Ducal Police carry out regular checks and may confiscate vehicles exceeding 25 km/h, potentially leading to criminal prosecution.

Anyone using a personal mobility device (non-motorised scooter, skateboard or roller skates) is considered a pedestrian.

You may therefore use pavements freely and travel on paths reserved exclusively for pedestrians or marked with the roller-skate symbol. However, pedestrians always have priority and must be respected.

Although wearing a helmet is not mandatory for PMDs, it is strongly recommended for your safety.

Rules for electric micro-vehicles (EMVs)

Electric micro-vehicles (electric scooters, electric unicycles, hoverboards and Segways) are treated in the same way as bicycles.

You must therefore comply with all traffic rules applicable to cyclists, including:

• Riding on cycle paths or roads (riding on pavements is prohibited)
• Equipping your vehicle with a permanent white front light and a permanent red rear light, switched on both day and night
• Having an effective braking system
• Having an audible warning device
• Indicating changes of direction by making a hand signal

Minimum age and use of public roads : Children under the age of 10 are not allowed to use an electric micro-vehicle on public roads in Luxembourg. Between the ages of 10 and 13, they may ride on pavements and shared-use paths. From the age of 13 onwards, they must use cycling infrastructure where available. Although helmets are not mandatory, they are strongly recommended, especially when riding at night or in conditions of reduced visibility. Protective equipment, such as reflective clothing, is also recommended to improve visibility.

Comparison table

In Luxembourg, the situation differs from that in many other European countries. Since electric micro-vehicles (EMVs) are legally treated as bicycles, no specific insurance is mandatory for riding an electric scooter. Unlike conventional motor vehicles, these vehicles are not subject to mandatory motor insurance or registration requirements.

However, you are generally covered automatically through your private third-party liability insurance, which is usually included in your home policy. This cover applies to bodily injury or property damage that you may cause to third parties while using your scooter. If you are responsible for an accident, this insurance will compensate the injured party.

The mandatory motor insurance scheme applicable to cars and motorcycles therefore does not apply to electric scooters.Nevertheless, it remains highly advisable to verify that your Home insurance contract covers the use of your electric micro-vehicle, especially if you use it daily or for work-related travel.

What are the risks if you are not insured?

Since Luxembourg law does not impose specific insurance requirements for electric scooters, you do not risk receiving a fixed fine for uninsured use as would be the case for a conventional motor vehicle.

However, the financial consequences of an accident may be significant. If you cause damage to another person without having third-party liability insurance, you may have to bear all costs yourself, including: property repairs, medical expenses, compensation payments, legal expenses where applicable. Such costs can easily amount to several thousand euros and may be considerably higher if serious injuries are involved. 

For this reason, even though specific insurance is not legally required, riding without adequate cover represents a substantial financial risk. Always ensure that your private third-party liability insurance is valid and appropriate for your use of an electric scooter.